034

034
“What have you found?” Nathaniel was direct with Ashton as soon as he entered his office.

Ashton sat upright and placed his empty glass on the table.

“A few words of pleasantries is the best way to start a conversation, but you would not know, given your lack of a maternal figure.”

“I did not come here to be criticised by you. You had both, and somehow, I turned out better, which shows my father did more than enough.”

Ashton scowled. “I dislike you.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

Ashton placed his hand beneath the cushion pillow and slapped the ownership papers onto the table. He crossed his legs and leaned back.

“A man born a slave dies a slave. Very simple system. However, there are three ways a slave can be granted freedom. One, the slave’s debts are cleared. Second, the master grants them their freedom. And third—”

“The slave is granted amnesty from a higher power or the Church.” Nathaniel replied.

Ashford nodded. “However, the conditions pertaining to your slave are unique, and they make me very invested in them.”

“Unique?”

“He has no debt.”

Nathaniel readjusted himself in his seat. His brows knotted, eyes blinking rapidly as he tapped his finger against the table.

“When were his debts cleared?”

“There are no records of his debts because he has never had any.”

“That would mean Sarang is a free man.”

“Not quite. He is still a slave, but a slave Lucian felt was worth the loss. If I did not know him, I would call him a fool because I cannot understand why he would be so generous. There must be something special about this Lunari. I almost want him.”

Nathaniel glared at Ashton, and the alpha raised his hands in truce.

“A joke. Calm your pheromones. It is fun to tease you. I am not suicidal enough to even glance at the precious omega of the Blackwell family. Lucian made an unforgettable example of the last man who dared, and the king is his proponent.”

“How can I get his freedom?” Nathaniel demanded, his voice dangerously low.

“Only his master can grant him freedom unless you involve the Church, because his contract is bound to Lucian, who is also a higher power. I would not advice seeking help from those sycophants. The Church will take him if he is no longer under Lucian’s protection because they views Lunaris as sacred beings.”

“If I were to become his master by inheritance…”

“That is impossible. As I mentioned, the slave’s deed is unique. The slave cannot be inherited, sold, or transferred. There are no flaws in the contract.”

Nathaniel gritted his teeth and slammed his fist on the table. He groaned as he massaged his head, frustrated by everything.

Sarang owed no debt which changed the foundation of his captivity. Claiming his inheritance would solve nothing if his father is not willing to give up Sarang.

What possible answer was there to change everything?

“The contract is almost perfect, giving ownership to one master. A simple contract with one weakness.”

“Which is?”

“If there is no master, there is no slave. In simple words, the omega is free when Lucian dies.”

Nathaniel’s heart stopped.

The orchestra performed, entertaining the invited guests. Some danced with their partners, movements graceful and synchronised, which was rather amusing to guests already full of wine, chattering and laughing.

Even the royal family was in attendance.

On the mansion’s balcony, Nathaniel drank alone, cheeks slightly flushed as the cold breeze cooled his heated skin. He placed his cup on the stone railing and reflected on his discussion with Ashton.

“How do you even think?! Suggesting something so vile!”

Nathaniel shivered at the vivid memory of Ashton’s sinister grin and the childish glint in eyes, as though murder was nothing more than a casual topic of conversation.

“I never mentioned murder. Lucian can die of natural causes in a few years. Desperation drives one to be conclusive.”

“I know the weight of your words, given history praises your brother for the same actions.”

“The king’s sins are his, and mine are mine. I am an advocate; my duties entail providing solutions. Frankly, I am more interested in what you will choose. Will you pursue a forbidden romance or shed blood for love? Two compelling choices with infinite possibilities for an ending.”

Ashton circled the rim of his glass with his fingertips.

“I hope you make the best choice, so that you need me. And if you do decide to save your precious omega, you have my silence and loyalty… Nathaniel Blackwell.”

“Nathaniel.”

Lysandra approached Nathaniel, her heels thumping sharply against the stone floor beneath her off-shoulder green gown, beige gloves, and green satin collar. She stood to his right, maintaining a respectful distance and decorum, her gaze fixed on the giant statue of the god Kaelvar.

Time passed, and neither spoke nor moved. They simply watched the statue as the autumn breeze chilled their knuckles.

Lysandra licked her lips and balled her hands.

“Thank you.” Lysandra said. “For indulging me and wearing the brooch.”

He touched the brooch, “You don’t have to thank me for common courtesy. Gifts are given to be used.”

“True. Still, I want you to know.” She rested her arms on the balustrade. “I saw in the garden that day.”

“Everything?”

She nodded once.

“I had some suspicions, but I thought if I tried hard enough, you would recognise my efforts and eventually come to hold some affection for me. There is something about you that is worthwhile.”

“I am like every other alpha of my status.”

Her shoulders trembled with the soft laughter that escaped her red lips. “If all alphas were like you, I would since be married.”

The bare parts of her pale flesh turned pink from the cold, making her appear plump and cute despite her womanly charms.

“Does he make you happy?”

“Yes.”

“Do you love him?”

“More than life itself.”

“If I support you, will you hold and cherish him no matter what?”

“I do not need anyone’s support to do that.”

She hummed in agreement. Then she faced him, opening her arms slightly. Her eyes were gentle, but the sad smile on her lips made her look solemn.

He could never do the same. Even if his heart accepted it, his pride would not let him. It was, however, an admirable quality he saw in her.

She was strong.

Nathaniel bowed.

“I cannot honour your last request. It is cruel to you and disloyal to my fiancé.” Nathaniel said amicably before lifting his head. “Thank you.”

Lysandra lowered her arms and hugged herself.

“Mother must have noticed my absence by now. I should go before we end up in some scandalous paper again. And stop brooding alone in the cold, your fiancé is looking for you. It is Uncle Lucian’s birthday.”

She bowed and slipped away from the balcony.

Nathaniel grabbed his wine and emptied his glass in one gulp.

Tonight was his father’s birthday, a night of celebration, a night to pretend that everything was fine.